Animation Source Forums

So.. the true story doesn't end where the movie does.

Do you think that it should have?

Personally, I think that it would have made the film perhaps more emotional. It would also be more based on the true story and therefore giving better knowledge. But then, you have got the fact that Balto is part wolf and also, no Togo.

What do you think?

Personally, I think that, at this point, there is no way for them to even go back and do "alternate endings" (which would mean alternate production development, and that means plenty of money...given the attitude of Universal at present, that seems unlikely). Certainly there are those of us who feel that, had Universal and Amblimation kept more to the true story, it would have been JUST as dramatic and interesting.

It's a shame that chance has been missed. I think the only other way it could happen now is if another production company did it. Of course, they would have to do something completely different, and would not be able to use any fictional characters and things that Universal and Amlbimation/Amblin Entertainment have copywrited. So it certainly would be a very different cartoon story. It would not resemble the Balto cartoons we know in the least (for some, especially those who don't like/hate Balto 2 and/or Balto 3, that would probably be a blessing).

I'd be all for it.

Yes, I also think that scenes such as where Balto would be chained up in that theatre then when the children save up their pennies to pay for him would bring a lot more true emotion to the film as well.

Agreed. And then, image adding even a cartoon concept of dogs that can talk to each other about what's happening to them...

No, I like the way the movie is. It would have been to long, and there was quite a bit of emotion in it for an animated movie anyway. But it is a good discussion to talk about Starsky, I'm glad you made this topic. Knowone knows why Togo wasn't mentioned or why Balto was made half wolf, maybe to make it more interesting, I don't know. But I do like the movie the way it is and I don't want it to change. And I don't think my mind will change on this.

Eh, book? What book are you talking about?

I suspect that the writers felt that the real history (depending upon how far they looked into it) wasn't sufficiently "dramatic enough", and felt the need to introduce some aspects of conflict for the main protagonist (in this case, Balto). Making him a wolf-dog introduced that conflict by way of the following:

1. prejudice from the humans and the other dogs

2. his own inner conflict about who he is, and where he belongs (both mentally and physically)

3. the mystery of what happened to his parents

There are the other fictional aspects of the Balto 1 movie (Jenna, Steele, the race, only showing one team traveling the distance from Nome to Nenana and back, etc.), but that would take a lot to cover just in one post.

Och aye, never thought of that Wow Seppala, you always seem to astond me with your information! It's nice to see that posts are not wasted here! But anyway, a little of topic. Well, I do agree with you there

Heh heh heh...FINALLY, a very Scots reaction! I LOVE IT!

Yeah, I'm always glad to help! It's not a substantial leap of logic to see what the writers were getting at. And I know you see that as clearly as I do.

Oh, I'm just going by the ending from what I've read on Balto sites such as Ac's.. and also on the documentary on the UK DVD. I can't really explain it.. partly because it would take too long and also because I can't be bothered.

I agree it would make the film too long. It would probably be upsetting for young children too.. seeing Balto tied up and being mistreaten. But even so, maybe this should have been the sequel?

Hehe, I speak like that, just don't write like that because it's not really english, it's scottish! But I guess there are no rules to say I can't be a good Scot here

Well, Balto and his team were never technically tied up and mistreated in the dime-a-look museum. At least, history doesn't indicate that. They were hitched to the sled and gang line during display hours of the museum, and (as far as the accounts of Mr. Kimble, the Cleveland businessman who happened upon the museum and found them as they were) in a miserable, neglected state. The room they were in was dark (poorly-lit), and they were confined in either that room (or another) when not on display, being given almost (or no) exercise. A true prison sentence for any dog, let alone a husky.

By the time Kimble's efforts resulted in a rescue, and the dogs were removed from the museum, they were apparently emaciated, sickly, and somber. But they were quickly cleaned up and nursed back to health, and brought back to good spirits, thanks to the citizens of Cleveland and other cities and towns in the United States.


Well, that's not very nice.

I think for a Balto movie, too saddning. You wouldn't want to see Balto being treated that way in the end, even if there was a real happy ending. It would not have suited the original Balto movie either. That's why I think it was best not to make it one of the sequils. But others may disagree.

Not to argue this point, because I do understand with what you're saying. But is seeing Steele bully and cajole Balto all that much different, really? It's still sad and upsetting to watch. And any kid who's been the victim of a bully could CERTAINLY relate to what Balto is going through in Balto 1...and it might even bring back some painful memories for a person like that (be they still a kid, or perhaps an adult looking back into his or her past).